808 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [8] 



run of shad. The connections for the hatching apparatus and for the 

 water supply were inadequate to the demand, and the supply of hatching 

 apparatus on hand was insufficient. To increase the hatching room 

 an addition, covered with canvas, was made, accommodating 2 tables 

 additional with 50 McDonald jars. The store-room used for the seine 

 was furnished with sky-lights, and 28 hatching cones were placed in 

 it, and about 30 cones in all conditions of repair were hastily fitted 

 up outside of all shelter. Notwithstanding the increase thus made, the 

 cones and jars constantly carried twice as many eggs as they should 

 have done, and much loss was the result. But by far the greater loss 

 was caused by being obliged to allow eggs brought in to stand in 

 buckets, &c, until room could be made for them. In many cases eggs 

 nearly hatched were compelled to be placed in the river to make room 

 for new ones. About 170 McDonald jars and 58 cones were in constant 

 use, supplemented by wire-gauze cylinders, buckets, pans, and all kinds 

 of arrangements for hatching. 



Three experts were employed during most of the season in the hatch- 

 ing-house. Three apprentices were also employed most of the time as 

 assistants. These men received and cared for all eggs, cared for the 

 fish when hatched, filled the cans for shipment, and loaded them in 

 the launch or scow. 



Notwithstanding the losses, the number of shad fry hatched was 

 45,231,000. These numbers are based on the measurement of the per- 

 fectly cleaned eggs in the jars just before hatching in every case, and 

 are as nearly accurate as these figures can be made. It is believed that 

 this is rather under than over the actual result. The percentage of 

 hatching during the season was 74.4. The total number of fry shipped 

 and receipted for by' messengers was 43,776,000. The total loss of fish 

 was 1,455,000. Three tables are appended to this report, which give 

 details concerning the collection of the eggs, the shipments of the fry, 

 and meteorological observations during most of the season. 



The collecting force was entirely disbanded after June 10, when gill- 

 ing is no longer permitted by Maryland laws. On June 13 all the eggs 

 on hand had hatched, and the hatching department was then closed. 

 But few eggs, however, were taken after June 1, the date on which the 

 greater part of the force was discharged. After the close of the hatch- 

 ing season the time of the small number remaining was given to storing 

 the equipment, and in work upon a drive- well, which was begun with 

 the hope of finding an artesian water supply. This well was carried 

 to a depth of about 150 feet by July 1. 



There is little doubt but that the area of 4 or 5 square miles immedi- 

 ately surrounding Battery Station is as large as any, if not the largest, 

 spawning ground for shad on the coast. The station is well located 

 for reaching every part of this ground. The possibilities of the station 

 are almost unlimited. Fishermen and fishing boats cover the bay dur- 

 ing the season, and every ripe egg taken in fish in the nets would be 



